Asthma decisions — 2000

The veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are currently rated at 60 percent, effective October 7, 1996.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma did not meet the schedular criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent, and denied his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to the service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma warranted a 100% evaluation effective February 20, 2000.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for service connection for residuals of an injury to the right second toe is well grounded. However, her claims for service connection for stomach ulcers, acquired psychiatric disorder, headache disorder, perforated right eardrum, and a disorder manifested by anemia are not well grounded as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service. The appellant's claim for service connection for mitral valve prolapse, chronic fatigue syndrome, uterine fibroids, asthma, and syncope also lacks sufficient evidence to be considered well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's asthma, allergic skin reaction, seizure disorder, prostate disorder, kidney disorder, sore glands, uvulectomy (throat operation), stomach disorder, low back disorder, and cervical spine disorder are all service-connected.

The Board found that the claim was not well-grounded and denied it.

The veteran's preexisting asthma increased in severity during her military service, warranting service connection.

The veteran's asthma existed prior to her active military service and did not worsen during service. The Board denied the claim for service connection as there was no evidence of a permanent worsening of the condition.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current pulmonary conditions and his military service, including as secondary to his service-connected PTB. The veteran's claim for increased evaluation for service-connected PTB was also denied.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for asthma, finding no new and material evidence to support it.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bronchial asthma and cataracts, do not render him unemployable as he can still perform substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and emphysema, including as due to exposure to mustard gas, were not well-grounded. The evidence did not support a causal link between his current respiratory conditions and his active military service.

The veteran's appeals for service connection for a back disability and an increased evaluation for asthma were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran did not have asthma, coronary artery disease and hypertension, diabetes mellitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a chronic gastrointestinal condition (to include ulcers and gastritis) incurred during service. The claims were denied as they do not meet the criteria for well-groundedness.

The Board found that the veteran's asthma is not well-grounded and denied his claim for service connection. For his chronic lumbosacral strain, the Board noted that while he presented allegations of worsening symptoms, there was no medical evidence linking these to service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's lung condition, including bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, is being remanded for further examination and review of medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a respiratory and cardiovascular disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for reopening a bilateral eye disability was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia effective September 12, 1989. The veteran's claims for reopening his asthma and bilateral eye disorder claims are remanded to the RO.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing bronchial asthma and sinusitis did not increase in severity during his active service, and thus denied reopening of the claims for service connection.